Grace and Eli had their last swimming lessons for the term today, and it was Grace’s last swimming lesson. She wants to do some other things next year, and she is a capable swimmer, so today was her last lesson with Sacha. Grace’s swimming partner wasn’t there today, so Eli (who will be moving up to Sacha next year) joined Grace for the last 5 minutes of her lesson, which included some surfacing time.

Santa’s little elves came early so that they could deliver a rather large gift that wasn’t going to fit into our car on the way back – a new, bigger trampoline so that the whole family can fit onto it together (regardless of the warning labels which say one person only).

The great gingerbread build of 2017! We did miss our gingerbread building partners and historical suppliers of gingerbread building materials, the Parkers, and our travelling friend, Aunty Mel, but it was also an opportunity to try making our own gingerbread pieces. As always, lots of sugar, some structural integrity challenges, and good fun with friends.

Let the sweet divisions begin!

Is there icing on my face?

The Bradshaws get their build on

Careful allocation and distribution of the sweets

Mom gives some support

Making sure the concrete is thick enough

Piecing things together in the mobile gingerbread homes, built to travel

Prepping the roof

The results are in! Grace (right) and Eli’s (left) houses

One of the Bradshaw’s homes, built with thick and sturdy walls. Kim discovered the joy of gingerbread house moulds.

Addy is now spending most of his time walking. He is up and off, swinging his arms and jabbering to himself. It is super cute. 

Last day of school for the year….with both Eli and Grace finishing the first year of their cycle’s. Grace has thrived this year, and Eli has been loving school. Last day of the term means another market day, with Grace selling gingerbread men and instant snow (just add water!)

It was a lovely market at the school this time, and I really enjoyed having some time to connect with some of the amazing people who are a part of our school.

Gingerbread decorating

Andrea & Chloe – two of the specials who have put their heart into the lower elementary class this year (Gawa is the third special)

Sam & Graeme – two whacky and lovely people

You mean I’m not supposed to be in here?

Last year our fish spawned and a few months later we realised there was an extra little koi who somehow managed to survive. Micro has been hiding in the lilies and growing, and we realised that the little one pops out to grab some food at feeding time….

We joined Jared for his birthday party at The Giraffe House today, and had loads of fun looking at the animals (which Adam absolutely loved), feeding animals, playing with friends and taking part in the fun reptile show.

Giraffe selfie!

The little guy couldn’t get enough of the goats and was loving feeding them.

The long snake and the case of the venomous hat: poor Janine was sitting in front of us, doing her best to keep herself calm while Chelsea held the Burmese python. While she was taking a photo Adam kicked his hat onto her back, and that was just too big a surprise…

Practising some drawing with the chalk…which he actually prefers to put in his mouth

Checking that everything is still good with the pool pump